By. Fr. Johnston Mlambo
Caritas Zimbabwe gathered in Gweru from August 1st to 2nd, 2024, to review its expiring Strategic Plan for 2022-2024 and develop a new plan for the period 2025-2030. The strategic planning process was informed by guidelines from Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Africa, focusing on ensuring Caritas remains central to the Catholic Church’s mission in Zimbabwe while becoming a self-sustaining organization.
The review and planning sessions were led by Mr. Carsterns George Mulume, Humanitarian Programme Officer for Caritas Africa. Key discussion points included how Caritas can enhance its role within the Catholic Church, particularly at the grassroots level in local parishes, and how to ensure the organization’s sustainability through effective resource mobilization.
The major outcomes of the strategy review included:
Development of an Effective Organogram: The need for a streamlined and functional organizational structure to improve operational efficiency.
Strengthening Grassroots Presence: Emphasis on ensuring Caritas is deeply embedded within the local parishes to better serve the community.
Focused Resource Mobilization: A commitment to mobilizing resources from within the local church community.
Support for CIMOs in Fundraising: Recognizing the importance of supporting Country-Initiated Mobilization Officers (CIMOs) to enhance fundraising efforts.
Mr. Harrington Chuma, National Coordinator of Caritas Zimbabwe, expressed satisfaction with the process and the unity displayed by participants. “I am so grateful to Caritas Africa for their support throughout this strategic plan development. This plan positions Caritas at the heart of the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe. The unity of purpose demonstrated by the Caritas Zimbabwe team—including the ZCBC Secretariat, the Caritas National Office, diocesan teams, and Ex Officio members—was exceptional. The platform allowed us to address our differences constructively, leading to a unified vision for the future,” he said.
Mr. Carsterns George Mulume highlighted the significance of the event’s attendees, including Archbishop Alex Thomas, President of Caritas Zimbabwe, and Fr. Tryvis Moyo, Secretary General of the Conference. “The presence of Archbishop Alex Thomas and Fr. Tryvis Moyo underscores the Church’s commitment and ownership of Caritas Zimbabwe. This strategic journey aligns Caritas’s activities with the Church’s vision and mission. The involvement of all dioceses and the support from Church leadership reflect a strong commitment to Caritas’s future,” Mulume remarked.
Roselinie Murota, Diocesan Coordinator for Caritas Archdiocese of Harare, reflected on the outcomes of the retreat: “The meeting started off challenging, but I am impressed with the results and the consensus achieved. Our goal is to develop a more functional Caritas that effectively supports our local parishes. This will enable us to fundraise for various initiatives locally. I am grateful to the Secretary General for taking this bold step forward!”
The strategy review marked a significant step in shaping the future of Caritas Zimbabwe, reinforcing its role within the Church and its commitment to local and sustainable development.
